44
WHEELCHAIRS/MOBILITY
We should attempt to utilise similar sanctions with wheelchair-using children as we do with those who ambulate. Many children with disabilities, especially if not verbal, use their mobility as a means of
Many parents break into tears the first time a wheelchair is mentioned
with the child, durability, maintenance requirements, ease of cleaning and safety are all important considerations. Gait trainers and mobile standers are training devices and, as such, are not
self-expression. When they misbehave with it, the underlying cause should be
is easy for all concerned to get excited
to be confused with means of mobility.
investigated and addressed, instead of
about new products at times, but careful
It is delightful to be able to move about
their mobility being limited.
consideration of the child’s abilities, as
during standing, however, for non-
well as the family’s possibilities and
ambulatory children, standing is often
Finding the right equipment
limitations (such as transport) must
a demanding task which should have
There are many types of mobility
be given.
its limits.
devices, and the options are constantly
The main focus of the selection
expanding. In addition to new and
must be function. The mobility device
Supportive strollers are often beneficial
interesting technologies becoming
needs to be able to get the child around
to have around as secondary devices;
available, many hybrids of existing types
effortlessly, as much as possible. There
they can fit into even the smallest cars
also surface routinely. National and local
are, though, many other factors to
and are easy to take on the plane or train
trade shows usually provide the best
consider, and our selection may be
for holidays. They are not designed to
opportunity to keep up to date with the
completely off (or end up in the closet)
be a primary means of mobility, simply
options. However, a critical approach
if any of these issues are ignored;
because their support surfaces are not
to the selection of equipment is vital;
accessibility in the home, transport in
typically firm and sufficiently fitted for
not even the most exciting or best
all necessary vehicles, the family and
proper postural support. The long-term
device will work for the child if it is not
child’s aesthetic preferences, ease of
lack of appropriate support for the body
selected and adjusted appropriately. It
use, the possibility to grow and adapt
may result in many negative physiological
While many factors influence wheelchair selection, the key focus should be function.
SENISSUE62
www.senmagazine.co.uk